In Bulgaria, the driving licence (Bulgarian: Свидетелство за управление на моторно превозно средство (Certificate for driving a motorized vehicle), abbreviated СУМПС) is a governmental right given to those who request a licence for any of the categories they desire. It is required for every type of motorized vehicle. The minimum age to obtain a driving licence is: 16 years for a motorcycle, 18 years for a car, and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles.

Since 07.08.2023 this Control Card is phased out, but previously in addition to the plastic card, each holder of a Bulgarian driving licence was in possession of a second document, named control card (контролен талон). It was made of blue paper, and was filled in by hand and stamped. When a driver was fined for road violation, the control card was taken by the authorities and was replaced by а breach act (акт за нарушение). The driver could continue driving for a limited period of time, stated in the document. The Control Card was returned only after the fine was paid.

Since 1999, the Bulgarian driving licence format was changed from that of a pink booklet to a credit-card sized card. The pink booklet had been used for several decades and thus the driving licence was and still is informally called in Bulgarian: шофьорска книжка (driver's booklet).

Obtaining a driver's licence

The Bulgarian driving licence can be obtained after finishing a driving school and passing a two-stage test, the theory test and road test. A first aid course for drivers and a primary school diploma is also required to obtain valid driver's licence. A medical certificate by a GP is also necessary.

See also